Sheet lifter



April 30, 1940. E. v. cuLLEN Er AL SHEET LIFTEF.

Filed Aug. 5, 1937 3 Sheets-Sheet l IW WIIiIIIH 'I April 30, 1940.

E. v. cuLpEN er AL SHEET LIFTER Filed Aug. 5, 1937 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 30, 1940. E. v. cULLEN ET AL 2,198,652

SHEET LIFTEF.

Patented Apr. 30, 1940 SHEET LIFTER Edward V. Cullen and Erard J. Shaughnessy,`

Chicago, Ill.,

assignors to Cullen-Friestedt Company, Chicago, Ill., a. corporation of Illinois Application August 5, 1937i, Serial No. 157,462 17 Claims.` (o1. 294-113) i The present invention relates generally to lifters for handling stacks of metallic sheets or like articles.` More particularly the invention relates tothat type of sheet lifter which is adapted to be R- hoistedand moved from place to place by a crane or overhead hoist and comprises (l) an elongated supporting element which `is adapted normally to extend horizontally and has means whereby it may be attachedto a hook or other connecting device on `the operating end of the crane or hoist with which the lifter is used; (2) a pair of opposed horizontally elongated complemental jaws which are carried by thesupporting element so that they are shiftable to and from one another into and out of engagementwitlithe side margins of the sheets; and (3) gear mechanism which is associated with and carried by the supporting element and operates upon actuation thereof conjointly to shift the jaws to and from one another. :3 0 One object of the invention is toprovide a sheet lifter of this type which is generally an improvement upon, and is moresimple to operate than,` previously designed lifters of the same general character and for the same purpose,

Another object of the invention is to provide a `sheetrlifter of the type under consideration in which the opposed `horizontally elongated co-mplemental jaws comprise upper members which are movably connected to the supporting element mi and connected for shift to and from one another by the gear mechanism and substantially vertical members which Aare provided at the bottom portions thereof with inwardly extending means iorrunderlying the side margins of the sheets and arepivotally connected at their upper ends to the upper members so that they are free to swing inwards to a limited extent in order to compensate for the sag in the sheets when the latter" are hoisted orlifted by the lifter. @Another object of the invention is to provide valsheet `lifter of the last mentioned character which includes simple and novel means forlimiting or restricting inward swinging movement ofl the lower members of the jaws, and also infh cludes springs between the ends of the lower jaw members and the contiguous ends of the upper members for urging the lower members in their i normal or substantially vertical position.`

'A` further object `oi the invention is to provide (j a sheet lifter of the aforementioned type and characteror in which the gear mechanism for shifting the jaws to and from one another operatesn'ot only in an eflicient manner and easily but alsofincludes a brake device whereby the jaws 5j are automatically locked against outward movement except in response to actuation of the mechanism. Y

A stillfurther object of the invention is to provide a sheet lifter which is generally of new and improved construction and may not only be manufactured at a low and reasonable cost but is extremely efcient in operation. p

Other objectsof the invention and the various advantages and *characteristics of the present` sheetlifter will be apparent from a consideration 10 of the following detailed description.

The invention consists in the several novel features which are hereinafter set forth and are more particularly defined by claims at the conclusion hereof. 15

In the drawings which accompany and form a part of this speciiication or disclosure and in which like numerals of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Figure l is a plan view of a sheet lifter embodying the invention, parts being broken away and shown in section for purposes of illustration;

` Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the lifter;

Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 3--3 of Figure 2 and Q5 showing the jaws in their operative position with respect to the side margins of a stack of sheets andbefore lifting of the sheets by the lifter;

Figure 4 is an enlarged vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 2 30 and illustrating the manner in which the lower `members of the jaws as a result of their pivotal connection with the upper members swing in- Wards and compensate for sag after lift of the stack of sheets by the lifter; A

Figure 5 is an enlarged vertical longitudinal sectional View ofthe brake equipped gear mechanismwfor shifting the jawsto and from one another; and i Figure is a fragmentaryfront View of the 40 gear mechanism.

Thelifter which is shown in the drawings constitutes the preferred embodiment of the invention. It is adapted in connection with a crane or overhead hoist to lift and move from one 5 place to another a stack of sheets S yand comprises an elongated supporting element l, a pair of opposed elongated complemental jaws`8 and 9, and gear mechanism l0 for conjointly shifting the jaws to and from one another. The supporting element 'l is adapted normally to extend horizontally. ,It carries the jaws 8 and 9 and the gear mechanism I0 and comprises a pair of channel beams Il, a pair of top plates l2, and a pair of bottom plates I3. The beams Il are positioned in parallel and laterally spaced relation, as shown in Figure l, and are coextensive. They :are arranged so that the flanges thereof project out' wardly and are cross-connected and xedly secured together by the plates I2 and I3. A stud lll extends between the central portions of the beams I`I and serves as a medium whereby the lifter may be attached to a hook or other connecting device on the operating end of the crane or hoist with which the lifter is used. This stud is carried by a pair of lugs I5 and is so positioned or located with respect to the beams II that the lifter when suspended thereby is properly balanced and assumes a substantially horizontal position. The lugs I5 nt against and are welded or otherwise fixedlyfsecured to the inner faces of the central portions of the beams II. The plates i2 overlie the bottom plates I3 and have the inner portions thereof fitting against and weldedto the ends of the upper anges of the channel beam !II`. `'lhe bottom plates I3 are the same in shape as the top plates and have the inner portions thereof tting againstv and welded to the ends of the bottomflanges of the beams II. In addition to the beams i I and the top and bottom plates I2 and i3, the elongated supporting element 1 comprises a pair of inner end plates I6 and a pair of outer end plates I'I. The inner end plates extend vertically between the top and bottom plates and arewelded or otherwise fixedly secured to the ends of the beams I'I. They are the same in length as the top and bottom plates are in width and together with the outer portions of the top and bottom plates define horizontal transversely extending slideways I8 at the ends of the supporting element 'I. plates Il are positioned in parallel and spaced relation with the inner end plates and extend between and are welded to the outer end margins of the top and bottom plates.

The opposed horizontally elongated complemental jaws 8 and 9 are adapted, as hereinafter described, to be shifted to and from one another in response to operation of the gear mechanism I9. They extend lengthwise of the supporting element l! and comprise upper horizontally extending members I9, lower vertically extending members 28, and horizontally extending angle iron bars 2I. The upper members I9 extendl transversely with respect to the supporting element 'I and t within the slideways I8 for longitudinal sliding movement. They are hollow, as shown in Figure 5, and consist of top pieces 22,

`bottom pieces 23, and side pieces 24. These pieces are coextensive and are welded or otherwise xedly secured together so that the upper members of the jaws are rigid from end to end. The top pieces 22 of the jaws tslidably against the bottom faces of the outer portions of the top plates I2 of the supporting element. The upper members I9 of the jaw 8 are disposedinwardly of, andare arranged in lapped relation with, the upper membersl of the jaw 9 and are supported by inner slide blocks 25 and intermediate slide blocks 29. The inner slide blocks are located in the bottom portions of the slideways I8. They t and are suitably secured against the outer Vfaces of the inner end plates I6 of the supporting element 'I and underlie and form slid-j ing supports for the inner portions of the bottom pieces 23 of the upper members of the jaw 8. The intermediate slide blocks 26 are centrally positionedy in the lower portions of the transverse slideways I8 and underlie and form sliding ksupports; for the` outer portions of the bottom pieces The outer end n 23 of the upper members of the jaw 8. The upper members I9 of the jaw 9 are located in the upper outer portions of the slideways I8 and are slidably supported for movement to and from the members I9 of the jaw 8 by way of the intermediate slide blocks 29 and also by outer slide blocks 2. The latter, as shown in Figure 5, are located in the outer lower portions of the slideways I84 and fit against and are suitably secured to the inner faces ofthe outer end plates I'I of the supporting elements 'I. The outer portions of the intermediate slide blocks 26 underlie and form sliding supports for the inner portions of the bottom pieces 23 of the members I9 of the jaw 9 and the outer slide blocks 2'I underlie and form slidable supports for the outer portions of said bottom pieces. The lower members 29 project downwardly from the outer ends of the upper members I9. They are preferably formed of T-iron and have pivot lugs 28. The angle iron bars 2 I' are applied to the lower ends of the memd bers 23 and consist of substantially vertical legs The 29 -and substantially horizontal legs 30. legs 29 are welded or otherwise iixedly secured to the inner faces of the lower ends of the mem# bers 20 and are adapted when the jaws are shifted inwards, as hereinafter described, into hoisting relation with the sheets S to abut against the side edges of the lowermost sheets (see Figure 3). The legs 39 are formed integrally with and project inwardly from the bottom portions of the legs 29 and are adapted to underlie the side margins of the sheets. The pivot lugs 28 are welded to, and project inwardly from, the upper ends of the lower jaw members 20 and fit within the outer ends of the upper jaw members I9. They have pivot pins 3I extending therethrough and have bottom portions 32 which project downwards through longitudinally extending slots 33 `in the outer ends of the bottom pieces 23 of the' jaw members I9. The pivot pins 3| extend through the inner ends of the pivot lugs 28 and have the ends thereof xed in aligned holes 34 in the side pieces 24 of the upper members of the jaws. They extend horizontally and together with the pivot lugs form pivotal connections between the upper ends of the lower jaw members 20 and the contiguous ends of the upper jaw members whereby the lower jaw members are permitted to swing inwards to a small extent and then back to their normal position.

Swinging movement of the members 2li relatively to the upper jaw members I9is limited by way of pin and slot connections 35. These connections are positioned outwardly of the pivot pins 3| and consists of pins 36 and slots 3'I. formed in the outer portions of the pivot lugs 28 and extend vertically. The pins 36 extend through the slots 31 and have the ends thereof fixed in aligned holes 38 in the outer ends of the' side pieces 24 of the jaw members I9. The pin and slot connections 35 are so arranged that the lower jaw members 28 when swung outwards to their fullest extent extend substantially vertically and, as shown in Figure 4, permit said members to swing inwards but a comparatively small extent. The arms are normally held in The slots 31 'are v their outer or substantially vertical position by lugs 28 and blocks III on the bottom pieces 23 of the upper jaw members I`9. When the lifter is hoisted or raised after the jaws 8 and 9 are firstV brought into gripping relation `wilth `the sheets S, as shown in Figure 3, the sheets are supported on the angle iron bars 2| and sag downwards, as shown in Figure .4. Because of the frictional grip between the abutting portions of the bottom sheet and the substantially horii with respect to the adjacent side margins of the sheets. The pivot pins 3| are located inwards of the angle iron bars 2| and hence turning moment resulting from sagging ofthe sheetscauses inward swing of the jaw members 20 against the action of the springs 39. During inward swing `of. the members 20 the springs 39 are compressed.

` when the latter are hoisted or lifted by the lifter.

The gear mechanism I for conjointly shifting the jaws 8 and 9 to and from' one another comprises a horizontally extending shaft 42, a brake plate 43, a hand wheel 44 and a ratchet wheel 45. The shaft 42 extends longitudinally of the supporting element l. It is positioned over and projects outwardly from one end of the element and has theinner end thereof journaled in a bearing block 46 on one of the top plates l2. The brake plate 43 is mounted on and keyed tothe outer central portion of the shaft 42 and embodies an elongated outwardly projecting hub 4l.` The latter terminates inwardly of the extreme outer end of the shaft 42 and embodies an external s crew thread 48. In addition to the hub 41 `the brake plate embodies an annular flange 49. This flange surrounds and projects in the same direction as the hub l4l and has the ratchet wheel 45 mounted thereon. The ratchet Wheel is provided on the periphery thereof with ratchet teeth U. It is axially movable to a slight extent on the flange 49 and is confined to rotation in one direction that is clockwise rotation on the flange 49 by a pawl 5| which is pressed into engagement with the ratchet teeth 59 by a spring 52` and '1s rotatably mounted on' a stud 53. `This stud, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, is fixed to and projects outwardly from a bracket 54 on the outer end plate which is beneath the shaft 42..` A flat ring-shaped brake strip 55surrounds the annular flange 49 and is mounted between the ratchet Wheel 45 and the peripheral portion of the brake plate so that when the ratchet wheel is moved axially toward the plate it `is locked for rotation With the latter. The hand wheel 44 is mounted on the outer end of the hub 4l of the brake plate and is provided with an annular portion 56 forengaging theouter face of the ratchet Wheel 45. In addition to the portion 56 the hand wheel is provided with an internal screw thread 5'1 which engages the external screw thread 48 on the hub 41 andcoacts therewith to cause the wheel to shift axially when it is turned relatively to the hub. `The external screw thread 48 of the hub and the internal screw thread 51 Vof the hand tively to the hub it moves towards the brake plate 43 and when revers'ely` rotated, that is, rotated in a counterclockwlse manner relatively to the hub it moves axially away from the brake plate. When the hand wheel is rotated in a clockwise manner it `first turns relatively to the hu'b 4l `until the annular wheel engaging portion 56 thereof strikes against the ratchet wheel and jams the latter against the brake strip 55 and into locked relation with the brake wheel. When the hand wheel is rotated in a counterclockwise manner relatively to the hub it moves away from the brake plate 43 and releases the `ratchet wheel 45 so that the brake plate is free to rotate relatively thereto. Counterclockwise rotation of the hand v wheel relatively to the hub 4l is limited by means of a thrust washer 58. This washer is mounted on a threaded stem on the outer end of the shaft 42 and is clamped against the outer end of the hub 41 of the brake plate by means of a nut 59 on the stem. As shown in Figure 6, the thrust washer 58 has a radially extending'lug 68. This lug fits in an arcuate slot 6| in the hub portion of the hand wheel and is adapted after such counterclockwise turning of the hand wheel relatively to the hub 4l as to release the wheel from theratchet Wheel` and thus free the brake plate for rotation relatively to the ratchet wheel to abut against one end of the slot 6| and form a driving connection between the wheel and the washer element for imparting counterclockwise rotation to the shaft 42. When the hand wheel is jammed against the ratchet wheel and is hence locked to the brake plate the brake plate and shaft 42Iare free to 'be turned in a clockwise manner by the hand wheel. The shaft and brake plate are, however, locked by the ratchet wheel 45 against counterclockwise rotation. When the hand Wheel is released from locked relation with the brake plate the shaft and brake plate are free from the ratchet wheel and hence may be rotated in either direction. When the hand `wheel is turned in counterclocl-:wise manner it first rotates relatively to the hub 4l, `as previously pointed out, and releases the brake plate isof is'ineffective to prevent counterclockwise rota-` tion of the shaft because it is free with respect to the brake plate.

r In addition to the previously described parts the gear mechanism Il) for shifting the `jaws 6 and 9 to and from one another comprises a pinion 62, a gear 63, a pinion 64, a shaft`65, a pair of pmlons 66; a pair ofracks 6l, a shaft 68, a pair of pinions 69 and a pair of racks l0. The pinion 62 is keyed to the shaft 42and is disposed between the bearing block 46 and the brake plate 43. The gear 63 meshes with and is driven by the pinion 62. It is located beneath the latter, as shown in Fig` ures 5 and 6, and is rotatably mounted on a stub shaft 'H'which is carried by the bracket 54. The pinion 64 meshes with and is driven by the gear 63 and is keyed to one end of the shaft 65. The latter extends longitudinally of the supporting element 'l and `is disposed between the channel beams H. The ends of the shaft ez extend through and are journaled in aligned holes 12 in theinner and outer end plates I6 and Il of the .with the pinions B6.

`of engagement with the ratchet wheel 45.

vsupporting element. v'I'he pinions 66 are keyed to the. end portions of the shaft 65 and are located at the inner lower portions of the slideways I3, as shown in Figure 5. The racks t1 are welded 0r otherwise xedly secured to the bottom pieces 23 of the upper members I9 of the jaw 8 and mesh They ft between the upper portions of the inner and intermediate slide blocks 25 and 2S and cause longitudinal shift of the jaws in response to turning of the pinions 65. The gearing between the racks .Sl and the shaft 42 is such that the jaw 8 is moved outwards in response to counterclockwise rotation of the shaft 42 by the hand wheel and inwardly in response to clockwise rotation of the shaft i2 by the hand wheel. The shaft 68 is in the nature of a. countershaft. It extends parallel with the shaft y65 and is located between the. beams li of the elongated supporting element 'l'. The ends of the shaft extend through and are journaled in aligned holes 'i3 in the. inner and outer end plates of said element. The pinions G9 are keyed` to the ends of the shaft 68. They are disposed in the outer lower portions of the slideways i8 and are arranged so that the inner ends thereof mesh with the outer ends of the pinions 65. As a result of this arrangement the pinions 69 together with the shaft 6B are driven in response to drive or rotation of the pinions S6. The racks 'l0 extend lengthwise of and are welded or otherwise fixedly secured to the bottom faces of the bottom pieces 23 of the upper members I9 of they jaw 9. They mesh with the pinions 69 and operate to shift the jaw S in response to turning or drive of said pinions 69. By reason of the fact that the pinions 69 are driven by the pinions E6 the shaft 68 rotates reversely to the shaft 65 land hence in response to turning of the shaft 42 the jaws 3 and 9 move conjointly either to or from one another. As shown in Figure 5, the racks 1li fit slidably between the upper portions of the intermediate and outer slide blocks 2E and 2l.

The operation of the lifter is as follows: When it is desired to hoist or move the stack of sheets S the jaws 8 and 9 are first shifted apart so that the angle iron bars 2| thereof are spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the width of the sheets. Outward shift of the jaws is accomplished by rotating or turning the hand wheel 44 in a counterclockwise manner. When the hand wheel is turned in such manner, it first rotates relatively to the hub 4l of the brake plate 43 out As soon as the wheel moves outwards into driving relation with the thrust washer 58 it operates through the medium of the latter to turn theY shaft 42 in a counterclockwise direction. Such turning or rotation of the shaft t2 operates through the medium of the pinion 62, the `gear 63, the pinion 64, the shafts 65 and 68, the pinions B6 and G9 and the racks 'l and 'l0 to shift the jaws outwards in opposite directions. The extent of outward shift of the jaws is controlled by the number of revolutions of the hand wheel. When the jaws are shifted outwards to the proper or desired extent counterclockwise-` rotation of the hand wheel is stopped and the lifter is lowered by the crane or hoist with which it is associated until the angle iron bars 2| at the lower ends of the vertically extending lower members 20 of the jaws are properly positioned with respect to the side edges of the sheets S. In` order to move or shift the jaws 8 and 9 inwardly into engagement with the sheets, the hand wheel 44 is turned in a clockwise manner. During such rotation 1 or turningpthe hand wheel rst turns relatively to :the hub M of the brake plate and jams the ratchet wheel 55 into locking relation with the: brake plate. After jamming vof the ratchet wheel into such relation with the brake plate continued or further clockwise rotation of the hand wheel operates through the medium of the ratchet wheel and brake plate to turn the shaft 4Z in a clockwise manner. Such turning of the shaft 42 operates through the medium of the gearing between the y.

shaft and the horizontally extending upper members I9 of the jaws to swing the jaws` toward one another. lAs soon as the angle'iron bars 2l come into proper position with respect to the sheets S clockwise turning of the hand wheel 44 is stopped and the lifter is thus in its operative position with respect to the sheets S and upon lift by the crane or hoist raises the sheets S. If the sheets S tend .to sag, as shown in Figure 4, during hoist or raising of the lifter the vertically extending lower members 20 of the jaws 8 and S swing inwards and hence compensate for any sag. When the jaws 8 and 9 are shifted inwards into their operative position with respect to the sheets they cannot be moved outwards except by counterclockwise rotation of the hand wheel M. This is attributable to the fact that any outward shift of the jaws operates through the medium of the screw thread connection between the hub 41 of the brake plate and the hub of the hand wheel tc shift the handr wheel into engagement with the ratchet wheel and cause the latter to lock itself to the brake plate. When the ratchet wheel is so locked it, together with the shaft a2 is held against counterclockwise movement as the result of the action of the pawl El and the ratchet teeth 50.

The herein described sheet lifter consists of a comparatively small number of parts and hence may be manufactured at a low and reasonable i;

cost. It is extremely eicient in operation due to the fact that the lower members 2i! of the jaws are free to move inwards to a ksmall extent and hence there is no possibility of the sheets dropping or falling as the result of sag during a hoisting or lifting operation.

Whereas the lifter has been described as being particularly adapted for use in lifting sheets or transporting them from place to place it is to be understood that it may be used in connection with other articles. It is also to be understood that the invention is not to be restricted to the details set forth, since these may be modied within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having thusl described the invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A lifter adapted for use in handling sheets i and like articles and to be attached to a crane or hoist and comprising'in combination a pair of oppositely facing complemental jaws mounted to move to and from one another and embodying upper members for conjointly` shifting the jaws to` and from one another. l n

l 2. A lifter adapted `for use in handling sheets and like articles and to be attached to a crane 6^; or hoist and comprising in combination a pair of oppositely facing horizontally elongated complemental jaws mounted to move to and from one another and embodying substantially horizontally extending slidably mounted upper members land` also substantially vertically extending lower members having inwardly extending means at the lower endsthereof for underlying the side margins of the sheets and pivotally connected at their `upper ends to the outer ends of the upll per members so that they are permitted to swing i inwards in response to sagging of the sheets during..hoist ofthe latter bythe lifter, means between the upper jaw members and said upper ends of the lower members for limiting swinging lmovement of thelower members relatively to the upper members, and means applied to said upper members for conjointly shifting the jaws to` and from one another.

3. A lifter adapted for use in `handlingsheets 25^and like articles and tobe attached to a crane or hoist and comprising in combination a pair of oppositely facing horizontally elongated complemental jaws mounted `to move to and from` one another` and embodying substantially hori- Bllizontal upper members and also substantially ver-` tical lower members having inwardly extending means at the lower ends thereof for underlying the side margins ofthe sheets and pivotally con- Mnected at their upper ends to the upper members 35"solthat they are permitted to swing inwards in response to sagging of the sheets during hoist of the latter by the lifter, means for limiting swinging movement of the lower members, spring means for urging the lower `jaw members outtwards into their normal substantially vertical,

position, and means applied to the upper jaw members for conjointly shifting the jaws to and from one another.

4. A lifteradapted for use in handling sheets Stand like articles and to be attached to a crane or hoist and comprising in combination a lpair of yoppositely facing complemental jaws mounted `to move to and from one another and embodying upper members and also substantially vertical widower members having inwardly extending means at the lower ends thereof for underlying the side margins of the sheets and pivotally connected at their upper ends to the upper members so that they are permitted to swinginwards in response ,n lli-.itc sagging of the sheets during hoist of the latter oppositely facing horizontally elongated complemental jaws shiftable to and` from one another and embodying substantially horizontally extendn 'lhling slidablymounted upper `members and also substantially vertically extending lower members provided with inwardly` extending means at the lower ends thereof for underlying the side margins of the sheets and having inwardly project- "Ming lugs at their upper ends pivotally connected to the upper members so that said lower members arepermitted to swing inwards in response to sagging of the sheets during hoist of the latter bythe lifter, and means applied to said upper members for conjointly shifting the jaws to and 5 from one another.

6. A lifter adapted for use in handling sheets and like articles and to be attached to a crane or hoist and comprising in combination a pair of oppositely facing horizontally elongated complemental jaws shiftable to and from one another and embodying substantially horizontally extendingslidably mounted upper members and also substantially vertically extending lower members provided with inwardly extending means at the lower ends thereof for underlying the side margins of the sheets and having inwardly projecting lugs at their upper ends pivotally connected to the upper members so that said lower members are permitted to swing inwards in response to sagging of the sheetsduring hoist of the latter by the lifter, pin and slot connections between the uppermembers and the lugs for limiting inward swing of the lower members, and means applied to `said upper members for conjointly` shifting the jaws to and from one another.

'7. A lifter adapted for use in handling sheets and like articles and to be attached to a crane or hoist and comprising in combination a pair of oppositely facing horizontally elongated complemental jaws shiftable to and from one an-` other and embodying substantially horizontally extending slidably mounted upper members and also substantially vertically extending lower` members provided with inwardly extending means at the lower ends thereof for underlying the side margins of the sheets and having inwardly projecting lugs at their upper ends pivotally connected to the upper members so that said lower members are permitted to swing inwards in response to sagging of the sheets during hoist of the latter by the lifter, means for limiting inward swing of the lower members, spring means between the upper members and the lugs for urging the lower members.` outwards into their normal substantially vertically extending position, and means applied to said upper members for conjointly shifting the jaws to and from one another. n

8. A lifter adapted for use in handling .sheets and like articles and to be attached to a crane or hoist and comprising in combination a pair of oppositely facing horizontally elongated complemental jaws shiftable to and from one another and embodying substantially horizontally extend.-

'ing slidably mounted upper members and also substantially vertically extending lower members j provided with inwardly extending means at the lower endsthereof for underlying the side margins of the `sheets and having inwardly projecting lugs at theirupper ends pivotally connected 1 to the upper members so that said lower members are permitted to swing inwards `in response `to sagging of the sheets 4during hoist of the latter by the lifter, pin and slot connections between the upper members and the lugs for limiting inward swing of the lower members, compression springs between the upper members and said lugs for urging the lower members outwards into their normal substantially vertically extending position, and means applied to said upper members for conjointly shifting the jaws to andfrom one another. j

9. A lifter adapted for use in handling sheets and like articles and to be attached to a crane 7,5

Y or hoist and comprising in combination a pair or hoist and comprising incombination a pair of oppositely facing horizontally elongated complemental jaws shiftable to and from one another and embodying transversely disposed substany.tially horizontally extending slidably 4mounted hollow upper members and also substantially vertically extending lower members provided with inwardly extending meansat the lower ends thereof for underlying the side margins of the vsheets and having inwardly projecting lugs at their upper ends extending into the outer ends of the upper members and pivotally connected to the latter so that said lower members are permitted to swing inwards to a limited extent `in response to sagging of the sheets during hoist of the latter by the lifter, and means applied to said upper members for conjointly shifting the jaws to and from one another.

f 10. A lifter adapted for use in handling sheets and like articles and to be attached to a crane of oppositely facing horizontally elongated com plemental jaws shiftable to and from one another and consisting of transversely disposed substan` `ftially horizontally extending hollow upper mem- :nected to the latter so that the lower members are permitted to swing inwards in response to sagging of the sheets during hoist ofthe latter by the lifter and also embodying lower portions extending downwardly through the aforesaid slots, means for limiting inward swing ofthe lower members, compression springs between the upper jaw members and' the lower portions of the lugs for urging the lower members outwards into their normal substantially vertically extend- 4ing position, and means applied to said upper jaw members for conjointly shifting the jaws tol andVV from one another.

1l.. A lifter adapted for use in handling sheets and like articles and comprising in combination a horizontal supporting element having means for attachment to a crane or hoist and provided `at the ends thereof' with transverse slideways, a

pair of oppositely facing horizontally elongated complemental jaws shiftable to and from one @another and embodying horizontal transversely disposed upper members tting slidably in and extending longitudinally through the slideways and having longitudinally extending racks, and also embodying lower members connected to and depending from the outer ends of the upper members and provided at their lower ends with inwardly extending means for underlying the side-margins of the sheets, and means for conjointly shifting the jaws comprising a shaft carried by and extending longitudinally of the supporting element and having pinions thereon meshing with the racks of the upper members of one of the jaws, and pinions having portions thereof meshing with the aforementioned pinions ,and other portions meshing with the racks of the upper members of the other jaw.

12. A lifter adapted for use in handling sheets and like articles and comprising in combination a horizontal supporting element having means for attachment to a crane or hoist andprovded with transverse slideways, a pair of oppositely facing horizontally elongated complemental jaws shiftable to and from one another and embodying horizontal transversely disposed upper members fitting slidably in and extending longitudinally through the slideways and having fixed racks extending longitudinally thereof, and also embodying lower members connected to and depending from the upper members and provided at their lower ends with inwardly extending means for underlying the `side margins of the sheets, and means for conjointly shifting the jaws to and from one` another comprising a shaft extending longitudinally of the supporting ele-- ment and having pinions thereon positioned in the slideways and meshing with the racks 'of' the upperv members of yone of the jaws, anda countershaft carried by and extending longitudinally of the supportingelement and having pinions thereon disposed in said slideways and having portions thereof meshing with yportions of the aforementioned pinions and other portionsA meshing with the racks ofthe upper members of the other jaw.

13. A lifter adapted for use in handling sheetsl and like articles and comprising in combination a horizontal supporting element having means `for attachment to a crane or hoist and provided with transverse. slideways with laterally spacedv slide blocks in the lower portions thereof, a pair of oppositely facing horizontally extending com-v plemental jaws shiftable to and from one anlother and embodying horizontal transversely' ydisposed upper members extending longitudinally through and mounted for sliding movement on the slide blocks and having racks on their bottom portions extending longitudinally there` of and tting between the blocks andV also em-k bodying lower members connected'l to and de'- pending from the outer ends of the upper' members and provided'at their lower ends with in. wardly extending means forunderlying the side margins of the sheets, and means for conjointly shifting the jaws to and from one another comprising a shaft carried by and extending longitudinally of the supporting element and having pinions thereon disposed in the lower portions of the slideways and meshing with the racks of` the upper members of one of the jaws, and a second shaft carried by and extending longi-v tudinally of the supporting element and having pinions thereon disposed in said lower1 portions of the slideways in staggered relation with the aforementioned pinions and meshing with theA racks of the upper members of the other jaw.

14.' A lifter adapted for use inhandling sheets and like articles and comprising in CombinationA a horizontal supporting element having mzaans for attachment to a crane or hoist and provided with transverse slideways with laterally spaced slide blocks in the lower portions thereof, a pair of oppositely facing horizontally extending complemental jaws shiftable toand from one another and embodying horizontal transversely'disposed upper members extending longitudinally through and mounted for sliding movement on the slide blocks and having racks on their bottom portions extending longitudinally thereof'rv and fitting between the blocks and also embodying lower members connected to and depending 70%( from the outer ends of the upper members and provided at their lower ends withV inwardly extending means for underlying the side margins of the sheets, and means for conjointly shifting the jaws to and from one another comprising a u;

soi.

shaft carried by and extending longitudinally of 15. A lifter adapted for use in handling sheets and like articlesand to `be attached to a crane or hoist and comprising in combination a pair of oppositely facing jaws mounted to` move to and from one another and having inwardly extending means at the lower ends thereof `for underlying the side margins of thesheets, one of said jaws comprising an upper member and an upstanding lower member pivotally connected at its upper endto the upper member so that it is permitted to swinginward to a limited extent in response to sagging of the sheets during hoist of the latter by the lifter,` means between `the upper member and the upper end of the lower member for limiting swinging movement of said lower member relatively to the upper member,`

and means applied to the other jaw and the up-` per member of the one jawvfor conjointlyshift-` ing said jaws to and from one another. j

16. A lifter adapted for use in handling sheets and like articles and to be attached to a crane or hoist and `comprising in combination apair of oppositely facing depending jaws mountedto move to and from one anotherand having inwardly extending means at the lower ends thereof for underlying the side margins of the sheets, one of said jaws comprising an upper member and an upstanding lower member connected pivotally at its upper end to the upper member so that it is permittedto swing inward to a limited extent in response to sagging ofthe sheets during hoist of the latter by the lifter, means for limiting swinging movement of said lower member of the `one jaw relatively to the upper member, spring means for urging said lower l member in one direction relatively to the upper member, and means applied to the upper jaw shifting the `jaws to and from one another.

`member and to the other jaw for conjointly 17. A lifter for use in handling sheets and f other articles, comprising a pair of oppositely facing horizontally elongated complemental jaws mounted to move to and from one another and provided at their bottom portions with means for gripping the sheets or articles, and operating mechanism for the jaws consisting of a shaft member operatively connected to the jaws so that when it is rotated in one direction it operates` conjointly to open the jaws and when it is rotated in the other or opposite direction it operates conjointly to close the jaws, a plate type brake member fxedly connected to the shaft member, a ratchet` wheel positioned* `aroundthe shaft member and adjacent one side of the brake member and movable axially toward and away `from said brake member, a spring pressed pawl coacting with the teeth of the ratchet` wheel to prevent rotation of said wheel in said one di- 'rectiorna rotary wheel type actuating element positioned around the shaft member and adjacent said one side of the brake member and out-` wardly of the ratchet wheel and having a hub `connected to one of the members by a screw thread connection of such type that when the elementis rotated in said other direction relatively to the shaft'and brake members it moves toward the brake members, clamps the ratchet wheel between itand saidbrake member and establishes a` driving connection whereby further rotation in said other direction results in rotationof the shaft in said other direction and closing of the jaws, and when the element is rotated in said one direction relatively to the two members it backs away from the brake mcmj ber and releases the ratchet wheel from the latter, and coacting lugs between the hub of the element and one of the members operative after backingaway of the element from `the brake `member to form a driving connection between the element and the shaft member whereby rotation of the element insaid one direction serves to rotate the shaft member in said one direction `and effect opening of the jaws.

EDWARD V. CULLEN. ERARD J. SHAUGHNESSY. 

